Rangers Maintain Pressure on Hearts with Victory over Aberdeen
Rangers remain three points behind Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts following their second 2-0 victory over Aberdeen in just six days.
On a blustery and rainy evening at Pittodrie, Thelo Aasgaard opened the scoring with a well-placed volley from a corner, while James Tavernier secured the win by converting a penalty kick.
Emmanuel Fernandez, who scored at Ibrox earlier in the week, thought he had found the net again but saw his header disallowed due to an infringement on Aberdeen goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov. Despite Mitov's challenge being deemed questionable, referee David Dickinson ruled that an arm had impeded the goalkeeper after consulting the pitchside monitor.
Aasgaard's goal came in the 23rd minute, as he deftly finished a well-executed short corner. Later, Djeidi Gassama was fouled by Graeme Shinnie, allowing Tavernier to extend the lead from the spot with 15 minutes remaining.
Since Danny Rohl took over as manager in October, Rangers have recorded the highest number of wins (11), points (35), and goals (26) of any team in the top flight.
Aberdeen, currently in eighth place, have now gone the longest streak without scoring (10 matches). This marks their fourth consecutive defeat, all without finding the back of the net—a situation not seen for the Dons since December 2010.
Analysis: Familiar Threat for Rangers, Familiar Failings for Aberdeen
Both of Rangers' goals on Tuesday came directly from corners, highlighting set-pieces as a significant source of their offensive threat. Aasgaard's clever finish marked their 11th goal from a corner this season, while Fernandez missed a clear opportunity from a previous delivery.
The disallowed goal by Fernandez stemmed from a free-kick, as did a promising chance for Nico Raskin, who nodded wide early in the second half. Rangers also created opportunities from open play, with Mohamed Diomande and Tavernier both having first-half shots saved.
Mitov made crucial saves to deny Youssef Chermiti and Mikey Moore, as Rangers comfortably secured their victory at a venue that has historically posed challenges for them.
Aberdeen have struggled with consistency in their attack all season. Interim manager Peter Leven introduced new players to the front line, but the home fans had little to cheer about, with the loudest jeers reserved for former striker Bojan Miovski as he entered the game during stoppage time.
Nicolas Milanovic had an early shot blocked by John Souttar, and Jack Butland made a strong save from Leighton Clarkson's effort, but that was the extent of Aberdeen's attacking threat. The team appeared disoriented for significant portions of the match, and their lack of aggression was particularly concerning given the traditionally intense nature of this fixture.
Last season, Aberdeen managed to take four points from Rangers at Pittodrie, but with only 20 goals scored in 22 games this season, their campaign seems to be faltering.
What the Managers Said
Rangers manager Danny Rohl: "The game management was outstanding. We couldn't win here for two years, and today we demonstrated how we want to play football for 90 minutes. It's a huge step forward. We maintain a clean sheet mentality; you defend until the end, and if you do that, you win games. We are evolving and have a clear vision of what we want to achieve, and every detail influences our performance. I am very proud of the progress made by everyone at the club, including the players and staff."
Aberdeen interim manager Peter Leven: "I thought the first half was acceptable, but we never really posed a threat. The second half was not good enough; we seemed to fade. We need more players in the box during attacks and greater composure in the final third. The standards at this club are high, and we must do better."
What's Next for These Teams?
Aberdeen will host Raith Rovers in the Scottish Cup next Sunday, which will be broadcast live on BBC Scotland at 14:30 GMT, followed by a match against Livingston at Pittodrie on Saturday, January 24. Meanwhile, Rangers are set to play three consecutive home games, starting with Annan Athletic in the Scottish Cup on Friday at 19:45, followed by a Europa League clash against Ludogorets on January 22 at 20:00, and concluding with a Premiership match against Dundee on January 25 at 15:00.